A Few Words of Wisdom for This Year's Graduates

Today, arguably more than ever before, our lives are full of change. We live in a world of ever-advancing technology, rapid industry developments, mobility and globalization, where not a single moment goes by without some sort of transition. We should all become familiar with change being the new constant.

I have been thinking about life's transitions a lot lately. My wife and I are celebrating two of our children getting married this year, and our youngest is deciding whether to take a dream job or go after a PhD in graduate school. All this has left me digging deep for some great words of wisdom – the kind every father is expected to share at times like these. I have been mulling over one big, bewildering question: What should I tell them about the future and what should I leave for them to discover?

As a new wave of UCSF graduates prepare to step courageously into the future, I find myself asking the same question. Commencement is a time to celebrate our accomplishments, to connect with the past and to relive funny stories with family and friends. After all, relationships are one of the only steady foundations that we can rely on when so much in life is in flux today.

For our graduates, and those who support them, the most important wisdom I can give is to accept change with open arms. We cannot prevent change in ourselves, or in the world around us. Both will happen simultaneously regardless of what we do. What we can control is ensuring that when change knocks on our door, we are ready for transformation, challenge and opportunity.

''The beginning is the most important part of the work.'' – Plato

Graduation is a time of transition as a new generation moves toward fresh beginnings. The great philosopher Plato wisely suggested that transitions are simply chances to set your course, to lay the foundation, and to take your next step. To accomplish greatness, you must start somewhere first.

This brings to mind the Latin phrase, "carpe diem quam minimum credula postero." First used by the Roman poet Horace, it literally means, "pluck the day, trusting as little as possible to the next one." Thanks to an epic Robin Williams movie, Dead Poets Society, the phrase today has simply become "carpe diem" or "seize the day." But that doesn't mean ignore the future. Rather, it cautions us not to trust that everything is going to fall into place, and encourages us to take action today for tomorrow.

The phrase also brings to mind the concept that 24 hours is our great equalizer. We all get 24 hours in a day. Each of us can go out and seize it – and if things don't turn out perfect, guess what? We get another 24 hours to try again the next day! No matter what transition you are experiencing – a new academic year, or graduation – opportunity is around the corner to prepare for and take.

Ghandi advised us to be the change we want to see in the world. This refers to the cycle of cause and effect. But I think Ghandi was also saying that each of us holds the power to direct change. Graduates, when considering what your next step will be, look for the horizon that will only be found by you, or the enigma that will only be discovered by you. Push yourself to look for more than work. And always be curious. Eventually, curiosity will lead you on the right path.

In an inspiring commencement address, the late visionary Steve Jobs advised to embrace opportunities and do what we love. He said, "Your time is limited, so … have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary."

As our UCSF graduates, and my son, approach their commencements, I will be channeling my inner Horace and advising them to embrace change, grab opportunities with gusto, and do it today. I am confident they will seize fresh beginnings to create new, successful and rewarding outcomes.

The rest they will discover on their own. After all, they know more than an old guy like me anyway.

Carpe diem,

Michael S. Reddy, DMD, DMSc Dean, UCSF School of Dentistry Associate Vice Chancellor, Oral Health Affairs